Atlanta Transit Agency Wants to Introduce Open-Loop Payments in Time for World Cup Next Year; will Vendor INIT be Ready?

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, said it plans to launch open-loop payments in time for the FIFA World Cup matches the city will host next year–though some have their doubts the agency will hit that target.
The now $300 million-plus project will introduce open-loop payments and a revamped version of the agency’s closed-loop Breeze card as part of an account-based ticketing system for Atlanta’s four-line subway, 500-plus fixed-route buses and light-rail streetcar. The work includes replacing 400 fare gates and other equipment.
INIT Wins Contract to Supply New Fare System in Atlanta, Beating Out Incumbent Cubic

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, board of directors is expected to award a contract Thursday for its planned fare system to Germany-based INIT, which beat out incumbent supplier Cubic Transportation Systems for the deal, Mobility Payments has learned.